2012 Aprilia Shiver 750GT ABS Review

INNOVATIVE, VERSATILE, SPORTY AND COMFORTABLE. THANKS TO ITS UNATTAINABLE
TECHNOLOGICAL PACKAGE, SHIVER GT 750 HAS NO RIVALS IN THIS SEGMENT AND IS
READY TO SATISFY THE MOST DEMANDING MOTORCYCLISTS.

This model offers a twin-cylinder engine with high torque, completely comfortable
ergonomics for two persons, excellent aerodynamic protection and a superior
chassis that has become a benchmark: these are just a few distinguishing elements
offered by Aprilia Shiver GT 750, which provides dynamic quality and technological
features, reaching the top of its segment to satisfy the most demanding motorcyclists,
following Aprilia's tradition.

The Aprilia Shiver GT 750 raises the technological level of this segment
and clearly distinguishes itself from competitors. A second generation ride-by-wire
system throttle grip, 3 mapping systems directly controlled by the rider (Sport,
Touring and Rain), brakes with radial callipers and ABS, a modular frame linked
with steel tubular and aluminium side plates are brand new features for this
middleweight engine 'sports touring' bike that makes the Aprilia Shiver GT
750 a superior and unique motorcycle.

The half-fairing gives Shiver GT 750 the chance to reveal the absolute versatility
of the Shiver family. Its greater aerodynamic protection studied in wind tunnel
experiments in order to offer the right projectivity for motorways, considerably
widens the spectrum for the Shiver GT 750 that is set out as a "complete"
motorcycle for a truly complete riding experience. Moreover, the new top fairing
provides comfortable glove-boxes (one of which can be locked), very useful
for storing small objects, it also includes a 12V-plug socket (used to charge
mobile phones and to plug a GPS unit).

Aprilia SHIVER GT is pure cutting-edge technology proven also by its sharp
determined lines; its shape and functions blend to form a perfect bike.

The Aprilia SHIVER GT technical element is also an element of design, giving
the motorcycle an aggressive and at the same time elegant look.

The features of the tank-saddle-short tail make this motorcycle even more
compact. The rider becomes integral part of the bike, perfectly fitted into
a short, agile, sports motorcycle. The short tail is extremely narrowed and
includes a double exhaust system with triangular mufflers (creating a visual
link with the Shiver). This solution offers more than an aggressive design,
providing an excellent symmetric weight distribution.

The lateral shock absorber is not just an aesthetic distinctive element,
but has also allowed the design of a rational, compact and effective exhaust
system.

The top fairing also gives a family connection with the Naked bike version,
nevertheless it does not alter its character, determination and instead gives
more functionality in terms of protection and capacity. Optimised in wind
tunnel experiments, the SHIVER GT offers the rider and the passenger a comfortable
driving experience of a superior motorcycle with improved functions. In fact,
the design gives more space for two glove-boxes (one with a lock) which are
perfectly fitted into the body of the bike, very useful for storing small
objects.

V 90° ENGINE: PURE TECHNOLOGY

Aprilia Shiver GT 750 shares the same technical features with the naked bike
version: a modern twin-cylinder V 90° Euro 3 engine, completely designed
and developed by Aprilia. This engine is the first of a great series to use
a built-in ride-by-wire system, and it has quickly distinguished itself for
its dynamic features. With an impressive 95 hp on tap, it is not only the
most powerful twin cylinder bike in its class, it also has an extremely generous
torque curve right from the bottom of the rev range, setting it on a par in
terms of elasticity and urge with larger capacity multicylinder engines and,
most importantly, offering smooth and effortless power delivery for enhanced
riding pleasure.

It is a generous twin-cylinder engine destined to become the benchmark for
mid-size motorcycles. The search for performance to the top of its segment
has led to the selection of advanced innovative technological solutions:

It is a perfect engine for this type of bike; its powerful output combined
is perfect to meet the demands of the Aprilia Shiver GT 750 rider: an expert
rider who not only expects high performance but also wants an easy intuitive
riding experience and an ever favouring driving torque that can cut-down the
need to use gears, even when fully loaded thanks to the motorbike's elasticity
that is beyond comparison.

Its 3-mapping system also offers the chance to changeover between Sport,
Touring and Rain, increasing the rider's possibilities and allowing him to
find the correct power output in order to cope with different road conditions.

This is where innovation comes into play, as only Aprilia's engineers could
apply it first: V2 engine power and plentiful torque are filtered by the Ride-by-Wire
system for the best possible output for all types of motorcyclists and for
all road conditions. With the Sport mapping system, the engine behaviour is
the thrilling sports performance of the Aprilia twin-cylinder engine. The
Touring mapping system gives the rider a softer power output for relaxing
moments when sports performance is set aside for the pleasure of touring,
or when riding with passengers and loads. At last, thanks to a 25% torque
reduction, the Rain mapping system eases the rider when starting on slippery
roads or when adherence is poor.

CHASSIS

The sophisticated chassis of the Shiver GT 750 is clearly superior to the
competition. A modular-type frame (steel frame and aluminium plates) works
perfectly with the 43-mm stanchion upside-down fork and a sturdy aluminium
swingarm with stiffener brace. Furthermore, the lateral adjustable single
shock absorber is another distinctive feature of the Aprilia Shiver GT 750.

Its position gives plenty of space to fit the exhaust system placed under
the saddle, giving a very linear performance and a volume that guarantees
maximum engine performance. Everything is devised for a bike that is particularly
compact and capable of satisfying experienced and non-experienced bikers.

The great chassis architecture of Shiver GT, the easiest bike to ride among
competitors, is combined to a superior braking system. The stopping power
of the 320 mm discs with radial callipers is complemented by an advanced two
channel ABS system developed specifically for this model by Continental for
maximum riding safety.

THE CHASSIS: FUNCTIONALITY AND EFFICIENCY

Expert bikers and mechanics have always acknowledged that Aprilia's motorcycles
have got the best possible chassis. SHIVER GT 750 proves it and shows how
Aprilia was able once more to design an easy and intuitive chassis with incredible
effective performance.

The essential choices used for the architecture of the V90 engine led to
the realisation of an extremely rational and efficient modular steel tubular
frame and aluminium plates. The compact length of the engine, together with
the unique lateral position of the shock absorber, made it possible to create
a very agile bike;it is not a simple aesthetic habit, but a precise technical
choice that frees up space for the exhaust system, hence optimising volume.

The aluminium swingarm with stiffener brace was especially sized to handle
uneven stress due to the lateral position of the shock absorber.

SUSPENSION

Upside-down fork with 43-mm stanchions and shell cast calliper mounts offering
benchmark smoothness.Its 120-mm travel allows the rider to easily cope with
city roads and mountain paths. The lower and higher steering plate are made
of forged aluminium.

The lateral shock absorber is pivoted directly onto the swingarm according
to the cantilever layout and the spring preload and hydraulic rebound can
be adjusted; the rear wheel travel is 130 mm.

BRAKES

The Aprilia SHIVER GT 750 offers the latest state-of-the-art technology for
its braking system: radial callipers; a solution that heightens the sportiness
of the design. The 320 mm front discs are the same as those used on flagship
sports bikes.

The 240 mm rear disc fitted with single piston calliper gives adequate support
to the front braking system.

The front and the rear braking systems use metal braid pipes derived from
aeronautics that remove the annoying noises emitted by conventional pipes,
hence providing the utmost braking precision for a truthful system at its
maximum level.

A sophisticated two-channel ABS system allows the SHIVER GT 750 to further
increase its active and passive safety level avoiding undesired jams on difficult
roads and improving braking performance.